Charity Football Tournament: How to Raise Funds for Your Club

Decide what you are raising money for

Be clear from the start who benefits. There are three common options: all proceeds to a named charity, all proceeds to the club for a specific project (new goals, kit, a defibrillator, pitch hire), or a split between the two. Say which one in every message, on the entry form and at the event.

A specific target works better than a general appeal. 'We are raising £1,500 for new 7v7 goals' gives people a reason to contribute and lets you show progress during the day.

Planning a charity football tournament

In England, tournaments involving affiliated teams must be sanctioned by the County FA, and charity matches are usually included. Hertfordshire FA, for example, asks for applications at least two months before the event and charges £30 for events of up to two days. Requirements and fees vary by county, so check yours early. A sanctioned event keeps clubs and referees covered by insurance.

• Tournament Welfare Officer: events with under-18 players need one, with a current FA DBS check and safeguarding qualification, on site throughout.
• Format: choose formats and age groups that fit your pitches and the FA's daily playing time limits. See how to organise a football tournament.
• Entry fee: a fixed fee per team, with a clear statement of how much goes to the cause.
• Referees: book them early; summer weekends fill up fast.
• First aid, water and shade: plan for hot weather. See heat and hydration at football tournaments.

Online registration and an automatic fixture schedule reduce the admin. Tools such as DorsalCUP, which is free, can handle team entries, fixtures across several pitches and live results that parents follow on their phones, which leaves volunteers free to run the fundraising side of the day.

Football club fundraising ideas on the day

Refreshments

A refreshment stand often raises the most money at a one-day event. Keep it simple: tea and coffee, bacon rolls or sandwiches, fruit, cakes baked by parents, and plenty of water. Ask a supermarket or local café for donated stock. If you prepare and serve food regularly, check with your local council whether food hygiene registration applies.

Local sponsors

• Offer simple packages: a banner on the main pitch, a name on the tournament page, or sponsor an age group's trophies.
• Approach businesses that parents work for or use: builders, estate agents, garages, cafés.
• Send sponsors a short thank-you with photos of their banner and the total raised.
• Avoid sponsors that are unsuitable for a children's event.

Other ideas

• Penalty shoot-out challenge against a club goalkeeper, a small fee per go.
• Parents' or coaches' match at the end of the day.
• Kit swap stall with donated boots and shin pads.
• Face painting or a skills zone for younger siblings.

Raffle rules in the UK: incidental lotteries

A raffle at a tournament is a lottery under the law, so it must follow Gambling Commission rules. In Great Britain, a raffle held as part of a one-off event is usually an incidental lottery, which does not need a licence if it follows these conditions:

• It must raise money for a good cause, not for private gain.
• The raffle cannot be the main reason for the event.
• Tickets can only be sold at the event, while it is taking place. No advance or online sales, including through social media.
• Physical tickets must be provided.
• Up to £100 of the proceeds can be used for running costs, and up to £500 to buy prizes. There is no limit on the value of donated prizes.
• Prizes cannot roll over to another lottery.
• The draw can take place during or after the event.

If you want to sell tickets before the event or online, a different type of lottery applies, which may require registration with your local council. Check the Gambling Commission guidance before you start. Northern Ireland has different rules.

Transparency: count, report and thank

Trust is what makes people support next year's event. Handle money carefully and report back openly.

1. Two people count the cash at the end of the day and both sign a note of the total.
2. Pay it into the club account promptly. Avoid personal accounts.
3. Record income and costs separately: entry fees, refreshments, raffle, sponsorship, and expenses such as pitch hire and referees.
4. Publish the result within a week: total raised, costs, and what the money will be used for or the charity's receipt.
5. Thank everyone by name where appropriate: volunteers, sponsors, teams and referees.

Clubs that run the same event each year often find it grows, because teams come back and sponsors already know the format. Keep notes of what worked and what did not for the next organising team.

Frequently asked questions